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Countrywide has been very smart about figuring out ways to make money from every part of the mortgage process. Here's an example pointed out to me. Countrywide reinsures some of its mortgages. When a homebuyer puts down only 10%, he or she usually has to buy mortgage insurance from a third party (I thought mortgage insurance was dead in the age of 80-20 loans, but apparently not).

E-Trade Financial, the beleaguered online trader, is in talks to sell itself, according to people familiar with the situation. Bankers say that while there is plenty of interest, it is far from clear whether anything will get done.

A Citi analyst downgraded shares of E-Trade Financial on Monday after the online brokerage said late Friday that deterioration in the value of its holdings of securities backed by home mortgages has fallen significantly and will lead to bigger-than-expected write-downs in the fourth quarter.

The chief of the nutritional supplement company confronts allegations about bad business practices and S.E.C. investigations in an exclusive interview.Investing can be confusing. Luckily, Cramer has mapped out some road rules for all you Home Gamers trying to navigate the jungle that is Wall Street. Think of it as "Mad Money 101" –- some fundamental advice to keep in mind as you play the market. Whether you're a first time investor or a seasoned financier, it's always good to remember the basics.

Former American International Group chief executive and major stockholder Maurice "Hank" Greenberg said in a filing on Friday that he was considering "strategic alternatives" for the world's largest insurer.

A U.S. securities regulator Tuesday warned investors to be wary of scams touting huge potential profits from energy-related stocks, when the onlypeople likely to make money are those running the schemes.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has opened an informal investigation into stock sales by Countrywide Financial’s founder and chief executive officer, Angelo Mozilo, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

I don’t own any stock. That’s not by choice, but by CNBC edict. I just want that out there. Reporters are not allowed to own stock, unless it’s GE (parent company) in the 401K, because we report on companies constantly, and there cannot be any appearance of bias for gain, etc. We report on companies, we do not run them. That’s my preface to this post.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing an case that some say may alter the landscape of investing. The outcome potentially could strengthen shareholder confidence -- or stifle investment markets.